List of essential items to bring on cruises? Cruising in August to the bahamas. Is it safe weather wise?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Cruising to the Bahamas in August and you are going during hurricane season so be sure to buy trip insurance. Otherwise you may have some showers but it will be pretty hot.

Here's what you should take with you;

A PASSPORT WILL BE REQUIRED; it cost $97 and you can get all of the information you need and the application form right on line: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take:
- swim wear,
-shorts,
-sandals,
-beach shoes,
-your snorkel equipment if you have it,
-sun glasses and sun screen, lotions,
-a cap or big hat for the sun,
-a book if you are a reader,
-your music player,
-sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, -good walking shoes,
-your camera, and
-other personal toiletries.

Your cabin will have towels and soap provided, including pool and beach towels. It will also have a generic hair shampoo so you do not need to bring that unless you like a specific brand. They do not provide tooth paste, mouth wash or lotions. They DO provide a hair dryer.

After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports or resort casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, (like a bank employee), shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc. Don't over pack because you will likely spend most of every day in shorts and/or swim wear. Take clothes that you can mix and match tops and bottoms and plan to wear each piece twice.

Your cruise will have a formal night when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the shipâ€™s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. You will not be denied entry to the main dining room if you decide not to dress up, as long as you are at least sports casual. But most people do dress up.

- Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage.

-Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and your clothes that you sleep in.

- If you are taking your cell phone, MP3 player or other item that needs to be plugged in take an extension cord as the plugs in the cabin are generally not in the best places and there are usually only one or two.

- Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer. There are generally sanitizer dispensers at the entrances of restaurants, the buffets and dining room, but some times the are not there or not working. The sanitizer helps prevent the spread of the Norwalk Virus that sometimes occur on cruise ships.

- Take a can of air freshener for the cabin bathroom; it has no exhaust fan

MomSezNo

You can find several packing lists, along with all kinds of other info, at CruiseCritic.com. Click on "Boards" at the top of the page, then do a search for "packing list". You might be particularly interested, also, in the "First Time Cruisers" and "Ports of Call" boards.

Have fun!

darrell95355

I would recommend traveling light. I have traveled extensively around the world and do know that the lighter the better. It makes for less hassle. In fact I usually travel with only the bare essentials in one bag. One does not need a change of wardrobe for every day of the week. Pack oaccording to the activities you plan to do. As far as Weather wise I think you will be fine in August. Check the weather frequently just before you go. If you see a hurricane brewing then consider a refund. A good resource that I highly recommend which will answer most if not all your questions in great detail is a travel guide specific to cruise travel. You can pick it up here

http://offto.net/cruiseshiptraveltips_7b21

I wish you the best and hope you have a wonderful vacation. Wish I was going on one.

cryxander

sun block, bathing suit, bathing suit cover up, shorts of course, bring a very light jacket or sweater, sometimes the breeze is a little chilly at night. A formal dress..(they have a formal night),mostly stuff you would wear to a beach or sight seeing in tropical weather. plus a few nice night time "going out" clothes. toiletries, disposable cameras..a waterproof one!

Definitely lots of sunblock - too many people forget that and either pay too much or end up way too red!

More generally, you should check out this comprehensive packing checklist:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/know_before_you_go/what_should_i_pack

In terms of weather, there is some chance of storms, but don't worry. Since you're on a ship, they can usually navigate around bad weather.

Also, if this is your first cruise you might want to check out the "Introduction to Cruising" which covers stuff like how to avoid getting sea sick, what a typical day is like, etc.:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/introduction_to_cruises

Oh, and if you'd like to share stories/pictures from your cruise, you can get a free Cruise Journal here:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/journals
I'm sure a lot of people would love to hear about your trip!

Time travler

Besides you summer clothes, a hat, and sunscreen, plus something fancy to wear for formal night, that is about it. You also need to bring a camera, maybe your own snorkleing stuff if you want, thing like that.pack like you would for going to any resort and if you do forget something, you can always buy it right on the ship. Of course the main thing to remember to bring is your tickets and passport if you have one. Besides that, just have lots of fun. You will love cruising.

my_p_u_s_s_y_kat

Not sure what you are planning on doing, but here is a must have:

toiletries
panties / bra
bathing suit
light jacket
shoes, sneakers, etc..
nice dresses just in case you go to club
lingerie - if going with someone special or you never know
jeans / t-shirts

good luck

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